The Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has commissioned the expansion of rural electrification to 13 new communities in the Central Gonja District of the Savanna Region.
The commissioning, he said, forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to bring electricity to every corner of the country, a vision he said has continuously been championed by President John Dramani Mahama.
In a Facebook post after the commissioning on Saturday, October 11, the Minister stated that “Ghana currently has about 90% electricity access, one of the highest rates in Africa, and we are determined to reach 100%. No community should be left in the dark!”
He used the opportunity to also remind residents and consumers that while the government is doing its part by expanding electricity access, they must all play our roles as citizens by paying for the electricity consumed.
“We can keep the power on if customers pay their electricity bills. It’s a shared responsibility. In Tamale, my own people have raised concerns and are agitating. I hear you, and we are willing to engage.
“We want to be fair. Those who have not been able to pay their electricity bills, let’s put them on a payment plan, however, those who are hooking up illegally must desist from such acts. It’s not just unlawful, but it damages transformers and affects communities,” he said.
He added “We are also implementing a loss reduction programme aimed at cutting down both commercial and technical losses. Already, as a result of NEDCo’s efforts, we’ve seen about a 10% improvement in collections and reduced losses. As Energy Minister, I will continue to provide every support to ensure this progress continues. Together, we are lighting up lives and building a stronger Ghana.”